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Thursday, April 7, 2011

♥.•*¨F is for . . .

Family!

I have to confess that life a mother was so MUCH simpler before I hit my writing hard. Well, I've always been a writer as far back as I can remember, but I hadn't taken it to the next level (which mindset makes ALL the difference). It is this: I am going to get myself published.

Before, I volunteered in all my kids' schools. I was a room mother. I volunteered as a cross-guard once a week. I helped at the birthday table. I was a hand-and-foot homework helper (now they need to find me if they have questions). My house was a bit more tidier, I did more things with my hubby (take walks, watched movies...). I volunteered to help people around my community.

Now, my world has gotten so much smaller. It's me, my laptop and my houseful of kids. I don't step out unless the fridge is groaning from starvation. Really. It's hard for me to find time to watch DVDs because I'd rather be writing, editing or networking.

Poor kidlets. I've struggled so badly to keep them in fair balance, I've literally had to swear off writing for weeks at a time so that I can return to myself!

Balancing time is impossible. The best advice I ever read was - when you make the time to do something with the kids give them your total concentration. That way they mind the distraction a lot less. But get enough sleep - this is your heart talking - sort of ;)

I hardly watch TV anymore because I'd rather be writing or at least on my laptop and trying to write. I live by myself so the only one I struggle with is me and sometimes I have to tell myself, "CLEAN!"

Oh, my. Can I relate to the shrinking world syndrome because of writing. It's a tough balance, and sometimes I have to step away from the laptop and take a break to be with the family. In reality, it really does refresh both me and my writing.

I can totally relate to this post. My laundry piles up, the dishes accumulate, and my kids are crawling the walls. It will only get worse when summer comes and I can't use "it's cold outside" as an excuse to sit in front of the laptop. What ever will I do?

Really admire anyone who can juggle children, home and something as absorbing as writing. I have only the ponies, dogs and chickens to please, but they all have their needs and regular routines to be followed, come what may. I'm sure your family is extremely well looked after - and happy that you're happy :-) Thanks for the postAll bestKarla

I don't have kids, so I'm not beset by that time-consuming burden (and joyous aspect of life as well because I do have a beautiful niece!). But I have to juggle my writing pursuits (mostly, film ramblings) from other obligations: work, social engagements, sports, and other mundanities of life. As you long as you are passionate about it, it's easy work!

Got rid of the TV 25yrs ago...the radio is much more civilised and way less intrusive. The kids...??...they have been brought up to be independant and creative in thier own rights so they sort of look after themselves, and anyway, sooner a chilled out father who has done some painting than a stressed out one. CheersPaulPS; Good idea to make every "F" stand out.

I sometimes find it hard to find a constant balance with creative projects. Sometimes it seems as if so many hours go by while working, and then then so many days go by of not working on the creative process. I just visited again your illustration blog. Do you feel that painting and writing take the same consumption of time? Or do you feel a strong grip with the writing? :)

I understand what you're talking about. From the time I get up to the time I go to bed seems I'm always on the computer doing something. For a writer, office friends are online. It would be very lonely indeed without them.

Something that helps me is I save the weekends for my family and hardly turn on the computer. Helps to keep my world almost balanced, though I'm listing to one side. ;)

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